PML done here are the pics

[chad]

Here are some limited pictures
The first thing I did was measure

Oh I final had time to install that bumper I picked up
Before

Installing the rear shock (I did not get any pics of the shackle coming off)


After

Here is the pic with the shackle on

The t-bar adjustment bolt

The t-bar lock bolt I read somewhere that the bottom bolt was welded to the frame not true for the passenger side.


I took the x for a test run it and the shock cover got eaten up by the sway bar

(I belive that the sway bar in the pic) is this normal I read somewhere that the sway bar might have to come off let me know)
Well its all done wasn’t bad at all on a scale of 1 – 10
1 being changing a flat tire and 10 being ?
I give it a 2.5
 I would have done it sooner but fear got the best of me
Well phase 2 is done
now I need more armor

Now there were lots of post on the old site that i had to recall from memory it would be nice if we could get them up agian

[chad]

Oh I decided to remove and paint the sides of the bumper and found this on the passenger side.

What is it? Looks like a vent.
That’s my little girl taking measurements.

[AV Xterra]

It is a vent.  At least one function of which is to allow air pressure to escape when doors are closed on modern, more air tight vehicles.

[chad]

I met up with Justin Quin
He drove my car and agrees with me that it rides a bit bouncy

[Quinn]

I met up with Justin Quin
He drove my car and agrees with me that it rides a bit bouncy

Full on props to you bro for your initiative and motivation to just order the parts and do this all by yourself
..... and not even having a clear idea of how to do it.

Congrats for navigating some uncharted waters and coming out successful!

Nice write-up and thanks for the pics. 

[XterracerX]

I met up with Justin Quin
He drove my car and agrees with me that it rides a bit bouncy

Bouncy? Perhaps due to stiffer shocks, altered suspension components, higher stance (higher center of gravity... although not much, but considerable enough). Check your tire pressure as well.

Load up some gear (camping stuff, etc.) and you'll really feel the difference. My X (with Add A Leafs, shackles and Bilstein shocks) usually feels a bit stiff and bouncy as well when just driving around the streets with no load. But when properly geared for outdoor/off-road adventure, it rides like how it is meant to.

And with regards to the rear sway bar... if you haven't done so... OFF WITH IT! Just in time for your test run in Azusa! You'll flex better and conquer tougher obstacles without it! 

[chad]

I do plan on dumping the rear sway bar. I just wanted to get used to the ride.

[Blackx]

I do plan on dumping the rear sway bar. I just wanted to get used to the ride.

I have to say I don't feel any difference in handling without the rear sway bar.  I still have the front which I hear is another story though.

[superslidestyle]

If those are Rancho RS9000 shocks, then they are much stiffer than my RS5000 on my X.  Mines feel a little stiffer than stock.  As for the rear anti-sway bar, you don't really notice much of a difference with or without it.  You do get much better articulation of the rear axle without it which is why most of us just dump it.  However you want to leave the front one in place because without it, the Xterra gets squirly on any slight turn or lane change.

[chad]

Cool
I also want to know if i should turn the shock around?
I was told it would be easer to adjust the nob
ie adjustment nob is on the bottom and the boot is on top

[chad]

Well i took the sway bar off and you guys were correct you don't notice much of a difference
I also turned the shocks around and adusted the nob
much better ride, The "bounceness" is gone.
Was hoping to do that tune up next but i could not find the fule filter. took me a while to hunt it down by then it was to late. will get to it next weekend or the weekend after next.